National Day Celebration for 2008 (3)

I attended 4 National Day Celebration activities over last weekend. These include the tree planting at SS2B, Independent Day Run at Section 22, Independent Day Fun Fair at PJS 2 and LRT Treasure Hunt at Section 8 neighbourhood area. I noticed that attendance by different walks of people is encouraging and inter-generational groups interaction is great. I was surprised but excited to see the presence of Dato' CK Lim, the prime mover for National Day celebration with LA 21 PJ for the past 5 years in the latter 2 occasions. His presence signalised that both political divide can work hand in hand for the benefit of the community of PJ. I saw the light of creating a united, harmonious and peaceful society of PJ comprising people with multi-ethnic, religions, social status and cultural background. It is truly "Unity: the fundamental of Success", the theme for this year National Day celebration.

Having said this, it is time for us to enhance the understanding between each others, to attend together more community functions, to look after the neighbouring house while they are away, to send our children to school together, to bring the children to the playing fields, to have a morning walk together, to share information about happenings in the neighbourhood, to patronise our local shops, to assist the community organisations in organising activities, to visit community underprivileged homes, to care for environment and cleanliness, to support recycling initiatives, to reduce consumption and generation of waste, to remain friendly, to be cautious about strangers, to conserve energy and water, to chit chat with friends and neighbours more often etc during this Festive Season. The list is endless.

With Ramadan around the corner, it is time to refresh and enhance our community spirit. While Community spirit can only be enhanced with the involvement and commitment of the community members, the facilitation by various agencies and leaders is equally important. The role of MBPJ in creating conducive environment and platforms to facilitate greater interaction is critical. MBPJ can provide logistic and financial support for making events happened, to delegate staff to attend the functions for creating better rapport, to response to suggestions and complaints immediately during the functions are of great help. LA21 PJ initiated the National Day Celebration Programmes partnering all community organisations since 5 year ago is gearing toward that objectives.

I am glad to note that we have delivered but the same cannot be said about other departments or agencies. The attendance and participation of others are not encouraging, and at time disappointing. While A Caring Society is not built over night, a small step at a time is necessary. Agencies and departments aspire to look at instant results need to refresh and reshape their strategies and approaches. Until then, the notion of creating a caring and united society with great community spirit is unattainable.